Mayotte on Red Alert Again as Another Cyclone Approaches Following Devastation
Mayotte is under red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi heads toward the territory following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido last month. Emergency measures are being implemented as forecasts predict heavy winds and rain, despite Dikeledi likely weakening before landfall. This situation poses additional risks to a region still recovering from significant damage and loss of life.
On Saturday, the French territory of Mayotte was placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approached after making landfall in northern Madagascar. The Prefecture of Mayotte issued this warning at 10 p.m. local time, preparing for the anticipated landfall of the cyclone, which is expected to reach the islands early Sunday. Although Dikeledi is anticipated to weaken to a strong tropical storm, it is still expected to bring significant winds and heavy rainfall, with gusts potentially reaching up to 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour). Emergency services are on high alert, and measures are being taken to safeguard the local population.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte last month, has left the islands struggling to recover. Chido was the most devastating storm to hit the territory in nearly a century, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries. With significant damage inflicted on Mayotte, which is home to approximately 320,000 residents, many of whom reside in vulnerable slum areas that were particularly devastated, authorities fear that the final tally of casualties could be significantly higher.
While Cyclone Dikeledi is not projected to be as powerful as Chido, which produced winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour), officials remain vigilant about potential mudslides and further impacts from heavy rainfall. The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, lasting from November to April, has been marked by a series of severe storms, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
As the situation unfolds, local authorities will continue to implement safety measures and monitor the cyclone’s progress in an effort to protect the residents of Mayotte during this challenging time.
Mayotte, a French territory located off the east coast of Africa, is currently experiencing the cyclone season from November to April, a period characterized by the potential for severe weather events. The archipelago, with over 320,000 residents, including a significant number of migrants, has already faced devastation from Cyclone Chido, which recently caused extensive damage and loss of life. Cyclone Dikeledi, while expected to be less fierce, poses further risks to a community still struggling to rebuild from the previous storm.
In summary, Mayotte is on high alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. Although Dikeledi is predicted to weaken, it is still expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, raising concerns about further damage and potential mudslides. Local authorities are preparing to protect the population, highlighting the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by Mayotte during the cyclone season.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
